OK I have finished my hardwire install of my iPod - pictures can be found in my gallery link on the bottom. Here is what I did. I thought it would be cool to mount it on the flat part of the dash above the radio (where the rubber mat is). I wanted to mount a dock underneath that part, so the only thing you would see without the iPod hooked up is a small hole. Here is how I did it. First, disassemble the dash (see this thread: https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=133164 )

After getting the plastic tray out, I used my Drimmel tool and cut out an opening the size of the iPod's dock. I then mounted the dock on the underside of the plastic tray using epoxy. I hooked up my Belkin iPod car charger to the dock, and the other end (the end that you would plug into the cigarette lighter) I placed in the "cavity" behind the ETAC unit. I then pulled out the cigarette lighter assembly from the dash, and hooked the two together and tied them behind the dash out of the way. I ordered another cigarette lighter assembly ($5.50) to replace the one I took for the iPod. The Belkin car charger has a digital line-out plug on the plug of the cord, so when the AUX button becomes available, it will be as simple as plugging in wires. For now, I use the iTrip FM modulator, which works perfectly (you can see it in my gallery). Now, after 3 hours, I have a custom iPod installation, and 5000 songs accessable in my car with the touch of a button, and no messy cords!

PS: Sorry pics didn't come out really good, it was dark!

 

I did something similar but I mounted iPod dock (after cutting it down) in the ashtray. I put a small wedge spacer under it so it sits up so I can get to scrol wheel.

Then I used Belkin powercord and Delphi FM modulator so it is hardwired. I tried the iTrip but the audio quality was poor. I'll still use it in rental cars.

I'm waiting for the CANBUS AUX input adapter to become available but they are SOOOOOOO SLOOOOOWWW in getting them out.

iPod rules,

Dave

 

I am (of course) waiting for that, too. Any idea when the adapter will be out? What companies are working on it?

 

Noticed in your gallery that you have the Undercover tonneau cover. Have some questions if you don't mind because I am considering this cover for my white FX4 SCrew but can't find one to look at. How do you like it and what has been your experience? Is it a glossy black or more of a charcoal color? Are you satisfied with the fit at the corner near the cab? I have read a post where someone didn't like the fit at the cab. What did you pay and was install easy? Do you think that the install hardware will damage the area where installed? Thanks..

 

I love the Undercover. I got it through www.versacover.com

The finish is more of a matte black. Fit at the corner is great, but also adjustable. Install was a snap, I actually installed it in an Olive Garden parking lot (see this thread: https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...ght=undercover )

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Blitzsafe and soundgate

 

Any news from them on when it will be available? On the blitzsafe website, is the adapter we need the one listed as "coming soon?"

 

Please educate me a bit... what is the canbus aux? I want to connect my I-pod as well. I just got my truck today (XLT SCAB, 4x4) and asked the salesperson if the radio (standard single CD) had an aux input. He was going to check it out. I'd rather go this route than an FM transmitter. Thx.

 

If u have it theres a button "AUX" on the radio i think its only on the audophole and or the 6 disk cd changer im assuming u would have seen it already.

 

Thanks. I checked and the radio/cd does have an AUX button however, when pressed, it displays "no aux available". The manual says that this is the case if aux isn't available. So does this mean that it is capable of having an AUX input or not? I'll check w/ the dealer I guess. I have heard that Alpine is coming out w/ a new radio that allows direct connection to the I-Pod. You would then be able to control your I-Pod via your radio - pretty cool.

 

JPeG, I have asked this question in the past. I was told the aux button was only used if you have the DVD entertainment system. They also said the HU didn't have an aux input. Well, this doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If the HU has a aux button and its used with the DVD, there has to be a way the DVD hooks to the HU. Wouldn't that be the AUX input? Oh well, if you take the HU out and find out for yourself please let us know.

 

Search the archives for can bus and there was a lot of talk about it.

CAN BUSS is the standard that the 04150 uses for communications. In the good old days you could just plug into a AUX input and go but those days are over.

Blitzsafe and Soudgate are working on interfaces that would allow you to plug in an RCA input and then hit the aux button and go. These are proving hard to reverse engineer and I do not know when they will have them done.

You could also buy the DVD harness (if Ford ever decides to sell it that is) but they did not as of a few weeks ago.

Inthe meantime best option is a good FM modulator hardwired into Antanne connector.